Which NERC standard pertains to the assessment of cascading outages?

The NERC standard that pertains to the assessment of cascading outages is TPL-003. This standard specifically addresses the criteria for reliable operation of the bulk electric system and includes the analysis of system performance under various conditions, including the potential for cascading outages.

Cascading outages, which occur when an initial disturbance leads to subsequent failures across the grid, pose a significant risk to system reliability. TPL-003 focuses on ensuring that transmission planners and operators conduct systematic assessments to understand the possible impacts of disturbances, including how cascading failures may develop and propagate throughout the system.

This standard compels entities to perform studies that evaluate not only single contingencies but also the potential for multiple contingency events that can lead to cascading outages, ensuring that systems are designed and operated to minimize such risks. By adhering to TPL-003, organizations are better equipped to mitigate the impacts on the grid, thus maintaining a stable and reliable electric power supply.